Good USB-C headphones are still hard to find — here are 6 of the best currently available

More and more smartphones are adopting USB-C, a rising cable standard – but there aren’t yet many quality USB-C headphones available.

Some device makers are now releasing their own branded USB-C headphones to sell alongside their USB-C smartphones.

Many USB-C headphones are on the pricier side and may have limited smartphone compatibility.

Many smartphones are now shifting away from their existing charging ports, and towards the newer USB-C standard. Most major 2017 flagship phones support USB-C, and so to will this year’s crop.

And yet, there’s a big problem: The market for USB-C headphones has been slow to catch up, leaving audiophiles who want a wired headset with few places to go. That’s especially important as more and more phone manufacturers follow Apple’s lead in ditching the headphone jack.

Even so, there are a few USB-C audio options available that users can consider. Prospective buyers be warned, though, that USB-C headphones are pricey, and may not work with all models of phone.

Here are some of the best USB-C headphones to buy:

Libratone Q-Adapt in-ear USB-C headphones

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Libratone Q-Adapt In-ear USB-C

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Libratone

These “Made for Google” USB-C headphones sell for $150 and work best with the Google Pixel 2 smartphone, but can be used with other USB-C devices.

JBL Reflect Aware C earphones

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JBL Reflect Aware C Earphones

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HTC

These earbuds were the first-ever noise-cancelling USB-C headphones. They vary in price but sell for about $120 on Amazon.

Xiaomi Mi noise-cancelling USB-C headphones

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Xiaomi Mi Noise-cancelling USB-C headphones

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Screecap: Xiaomi

Xiaomi is not well known in the US, but it does does offer a pretty extensive line of accessories. Its latest noise-canceling USB-C earbuds have been recommended by many tech blogs. They sell for about $57.

Razer Hammerhead USB-C headphones

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Razer Hammerhead USB-C headphones

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Screencap: Razer

Last year, the gaming company Razer had dipped its toe into the mobile sector with the Razer Phone, a high-powered USB-C smartphone. To go with it, Razer released a pair of USB-C headphones for $80.

Essential HD earphones

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Essential HD earphones

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Essential

Essential’s HD earphones are some of the newer USB-C options on the market. They have been recommended by many for their compatibility with several smartphones and the USB-C MacBook Pro. They sell for $99.